Explore Scotland with some extra special excursions

Anstruther Harbour

Anstruther Fish Bar, Fife, 01333 310518, www.anstrutherfishbar.co.ukFew will argue that when it comes to the mighty fish supper, Fife’s finest cannot be beaten - better still, it affords a nice day out in one of the area’s prettiest fishing villages to boot. Head over to the scenic East Neuk of Fife for awardwinning fish and chips from the Anstruther Fish Bar. The Smith family serve up fresh seafood, like haddock and crab, alongside local venison burgers and Scottish wine in their sit-in restaurant; alternatively, takeaway and enjoy the views.

City Sightseeing

City Sightseeing Edinburgh, 0131 220 0770; Glasgow, 0141 204 0444, www.city-sightseeing.comSure, we know the corn factor is high, but why not embrace it and become a tourist for the day, in your very own city. Hop on, and off, an open-top bus and discover what’s happening, on your very own doorstep.

Clff Jumping

Nae Limits, 08450 178177 or 01796 482600, www.naelimits.co.ukTraditionally, jumping off cliffs has been the sole preserve of lemmings, but now, here in Scotland, you can give it a go yourself. Jumps start small, at about one metre, but if you get the hang of it and want to test yourself, it’s possible to go as high as eight metres in a morning. Adrenaline junkies Nae Limits hold lessons in areas throughout Scotland.

Cramond Island

Cramond Association, www.cramondassociation.org.ukMarvel at the long history of Cramond, where its Roman past is evidenced by the fort and bathhouse, dating from 142AD. Later, pop into The Cramond Inn, a local pub owned by Samuel Smith and enjoy exclusive own label brews.

Forth Boat Tours

Forth Boat Tours, South Queensferry, 0870 118 1866, www.forthtours.comTake in views of the Firth of Forth from the dance floor, on Forth Boat Tours’ evening dance cruises, including the Disco Boogie Cruise and the Jazz Cruise, complete with live jazz band, departing regularly from South Queensferry. If you need some liquid courage, the Forth Belle is fully licensed.

Jupiter Artland

Jupiter Artland, Bonnington House, near Edinburgh, www.jupiterartland.orgNot for nothing is Jupiter Artland known as so much more than a sculpture park. Indeed, as the contemporary garden opens its gates for a second season, featuring commissioned works by many leading artists, co-directors Robert and Nicky Wilson continue to build an oasis of calm barely a few miles from Edinburgh’s city centre. The inspired project, set in the grounds of their Bonnington House estate in West Lothian, is, essentially, a gorgeous walk in the countryside sprinkled with some first class environmental art.

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, 01389 722600, www.lochlomond-trossachs.orgCelebrate the bicentenary of Sir Walter Scott’s masterpiece, The Lady of the Lake, with Scottsland, a series of cultural and literary events taking place around Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park this summer. Among these will be guided tours of the area and an evening concert of traditional Scottish music.

Loch of the Lowes Wildlife Reserve

Loch of the Lowes Wildlife Reserve, near Dunkeld, 01350 72733, www.swt.org.ukThe Loch of the Lowes Wildlife Reserve is one of Scotland’s most popular sites for watching ospreys, and covers 98 hectares. Situated just 16 miles north of Perth and 2 miles north-east of Dunkeld just off the A923 Dunkeld to Blairgowrie road, it’s the perfect hangout for wildlife lovers.